Democrats Announce Candidates for Madison Town Office

Madison Town Democrats announced their slate for town office.

They are Jim Murphy for Town Supervisor; Ed Sitts, John Blackmore and Stan Roe for Town Council; and Roy Kirley for Highway Superintendent. The candidates pledge to attract business, preserve farms, bring new openness and efficiency to town government and expand opportunities for young people.

“Town government needs to be open and transparent,” said Stan Roe, who is retired. “Town officials should be accessible and let the people know what is going on. The names and contact information of town officials, prior notice and minutes of meetings and downloadable permit forms all should be on the Madison County website.”

“People are concerned about the development on Airport Road and 12B,” noted Ed Sitts, former Madison Central School Board President and retired Oneida Community executive. “While new development is desirable, we need procedures in place that deal openly with the impact on those who live nearby. Town residents need to be informed and involved. Standards should be developed to guide the process rather than having the process guide us.”

“Energy and commercial interests are changing our town,” said John Blackmore, a government consultant and policy analyst. “We stand to benefit from these changes but the current Madison town government is not preparing for the impact on our town’s infrastructure, finances or environment. Furthermore, we need to attract people with skills and experience in business, energy and land use. When they volunteer for town service, they should be welcomed to serve, and not, as they are by this current board, turned away.”

“Our equipment is in the best shape ever, and 100% paid for,” reported 3-year incumbent Highway Superintendent Roy Kirley. “The department is now taking a longer view of maintenance, as in lining ditches so they don’t wash out. Towns that have not planned ahead have depleted their road budgets and must pay higher taxes. We need to develop a five-year plan for roads and equipment and update it every year.”

“In addition to serving as the Town Board’s leader, the Supervisor serves as a legislator on the County Board of Supervisors,” noted attorney and long term resident Jim Murphy. “The Supervisor should communicate with the town council and residents and involve them in ongoing discussions of county issues. I pledge to pursue smarter budgeting, eliminate waste and duplication, reduce taxes and improve management practices at the town and county level.”

“There are two futures for Madison,” the candidates said when announcing their candidacy. “We can continue doing business as we are, and leave the town’s economy, environment and security to the whims of outside interests. Or we can work together to protect what we hold dear and create a positive future. Our town is not the government. Our town is our people. Let’s unify to meet the challenges ahead. Vote Row A on November 3rd.”

Democrats Announce Candidates for Madison Town Office

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